Lancaster, PA Lost Female Cat, Lily Is Missing

Elaine S.

1 week ago

I’m so sorry to hear that your girl is missing. Bringing a laser pointer outside at dusk/after dark (only if it’s not raining/snowing) and shaking a bag of their favorite treats has helped me find my lost cats in the past. They would most often be right in my back yard hiding in shrubs/landscaping and would come out to investigate the red dot. Sometimes I’d just sit in a chair outside after dark and when it’s quiet & either sit in silence or softly call their name and they would come out anywhere from minutes to the entire night. It may even take several nights. Patience and persistence has helped me find them all (over the years).💙 The humane traps also work very well. If you were putting food outside for her, stop doing so 24 hours before putting the trap out. The best time in my opinion to put the trap out is as it’s getting dark out. Very important to line the bottom of the trap with newspaper (or they won’t enter the trap). Put no more than half a can of “people tuna” on a small paper plate to bait the trap. Don’t try to trap when it’s raining, very windy or during the day; I’ve had no success during those times. Place trap either near the door your cat escaped from or at the back of your house on a flat surface(very important…if trap is wobbly, cats won’t enter it). Also must be quiet outside. You could place it next to a sliding glass door on a deck or patio if you have one with all outside lights off. Just make sure not to create a lot of movement when looking out at the trap. I have the lights inside off and I place my finger between the vertical blinds to check the trap. If you trap the wrong cat or a raccoon, opossum or skunk, just cover the trap with a blanket, turn the trap entrance away from you, then open the door. Usually they will run right out & away from you. You may be successful trapping your cat in minutes or it may take a few nights or even longer. I had 2 exceptions. It took me 3 months to find my Gabby and it took 8 months 12 days to find my Missy. Both were found at the edge of my own yard near where the woods began. Please don’t give up!💙

Reply

Tia J.

2 weeks ago

Create a scent station (items with your/your cat’s smell - unwashed bedding, clothing, cat tower, etc. Do NOT put out litter pan as feces often used to mark territory and may inadvertently attract predators or territorial cats.). Check it often, especially when things are quiet (late evening/early morning). Leave the garage door open 5” overnight. Check nearby Ring/security cameras in the area. Check in and under everything inside and outside with a flashlight. Cats don’t usually go far and freeze in a tight ball in very small areas when scared. The flashlight catches their eyes’ stare, especially at night. Thoroughly check inside your home, especially if this is a new/shy/scared pet. Post on NextDoor app as it covers your local neighborhoods. Be sure to check your local animal shelter in person at least every other day (can’t stress enough - in person!!! You know your pet best plus animals constantly brought in). If your cat is not spayed/neutered, may be why it is “lost” and traveling further. Hope your pet is home safe and soon. (Note: if anyone asks for money or a code as “they have your pet,” this is a scam). https://www.pawboost.com/blog/7-effective-search-tips-for-finding-your-lost-cat/